Coaldale is among the province’s safest places for retirees, according to a recent report from WorldAtlas.com.
The report identifies nine Alberta communities it says are well-suited for senior living, based on factors such as crime levels, access to outdoor amenities, proximity to water, walkability and access to health care. It focuses largely on smaller centres that pair relatively low crime severity index scores with lifestyle features such as trail networks and nearby medical services.
According to the report, Coaldale — a town of about 8,000 residents east of Lethbridge — has a crime severity index of 52.5, placing it well below the national benchmark of 100 used by Statistics Canada.
Along with its lower crime levels, the report highlights local attractions including the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation and the Gem of the West Museum. It also notes the town’s proximity to services in Lethbridge, including Chinook Regional Hospital.
Other communities on the list include Canmore, Lacombe, Chestermere, Fort Saskatchewan, High River, Okotoks and Bow Island, along with the southeast Calgary neighbourhood of Auburn Bay.
While each community differs in size and setting, the report points to shared features among them. Canmore, for example, combines access to mountain recreation with health services while maintaining crime levels that compare favourably with larger centres, despite its popularity with visitors.
Okotoks and Chestermere offer smaller-community living within commuting distance of Calgary, with extensive pathway systems and access to outdoor recreation.
Lacombe and High River are described as quieter communities with established local services, including health care facilities and programming for older residents.
Bow Island, one of the smallest places on the list, is noted for its rural setting and comparatively low reported crime.
Auburn Bay, a planned lake neighbourhood in Calgary, stands apart from the other communities as an urban area, but is included for its access to amenities and relatively lower crime at the community level.
